#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “MIDWINTER BREAK”

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release MIDWINTER BREAK In Theatres on February 20, 2026. Today, we get a new Trailer.

Director: Polly Findlay
Screenplay: Bernard MacLaverty and Nick Payne (a screenwriter of The Last Letter from Your Lover, We Live in Time)
Based on the novel by Bernard MacLaverty
Producers: Guy Heeley (Shoebox Films); Floor Onrust (Family Affair Films)
Executive Producers: David Kimbangi, Ollie Madden (Film 4); Sean Greenhorn, Steven Little (Creative Scotland); Dave Bishop, James Pugh (Protagonist Pictures)
Cast: Lesley Manville, Ciarán Hinds
Synopsis: MIDWINTER BREAK is a stirring meditation on faith, commitment, and the enduring power of love, as a longtime couple takes a life-changing trip to Amsterdam.

#FOOD: TORONTO NEW YEAR’S EVE IDEAS AT LYLA, HARBOUR SIXTY, ARIANNA, MINAMI, MIKU, NO VACANCY, AND SUITE 115

In Toronto, New Year’s Eve belongs as much to the dining room as to the dance floor, and this year a handful of standout establishments are making a case for staying at the table. At Lyla in Liberty Village, Harbour Sixty and Arianna on Harbour St, and King West’s Minami Toronto and Miku Toronto on Bay St, chefs are staging multi-course menus that read like celebratory stories in seafood, steak and modern Japanese cooking, often with thoughtful wine or sake pairings and service that stretches well past midnight. On College Street, Radici Project offers a tasting menu that weaves together Italian and Japanese influences, while nearby Suite 115 turns its speakeasy-style space into a ticketed, cocktail-forward gathering. And for those who prefer their countdown with a well-made drink rather than a set menu, Ossington’s No Vacancy promises an eventful night at a neighbourhood bar that already feels like a New Year’s tradition in the making. Altogether, these venues capture the city’s plan for ushering in 2026 through dinner plates and raised glasses.

Lyla

📍60 Sudbury St. Toronto, ON

IG: @lylatoronto

Nestled at 60 Sudbury Street in Toronto’s Liberty Village, Lyla is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, known for artfully composed dishes, vibrant locally sourced ingredients and an elegant, transportive ambiance. This New Year’s Eve, Executive Chef Michael Medeiros and his team are inviting guests to ring in the new year with a four-chapter $159-per-person set menu that reads like a story: beginning with a luxe petit plateau of east coast oysters, scallop ceviche and hamachi crudo, moving into rich lobster linguine, followed by an indulgent prime beef tenderloin and jumbo prawn surf & turf, and closing with a decadent choux à la crème. For those looking to make the night even more celebratory, Lyla is offering an optional $69-per-person beverage pairing that moves in four chapters: beginning with a crisp Prosecco Brut from Veneto, followed by a Vinho Verde from Portugal and a Langhe Nebbiolo from Italy, and closing with a curated New Year’s Eve cocktail, an experience designed for diners who want a polished, destination-style New Year’s Eve without leaving the city.

Reservations for New Year’s Eve at Lyla can be made HERE.

Lyla New Year’s Eve Menu

$159/pp

Chapter 1

Petit Plateau

East Coast Oyster, Scallop Ceviche, Hamachi Crudo

Chapter 2

Linguine All’Aragosta

Atlantic Lobster, Vsop Lobster Bisque, Chives

Chapter 3

Surf & Turf

USDA Prime Beef Tenderloin, Vermouth Butter Poached Jumbo Prawn, Potato Pave, Onion Soubise

Chapter 4

Choux À La Crème

Choux Pastry, Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream

Optional Beverage Pairing

$69/pp

Chapter 1

N/V Prosecco ‘Brut’ Doc – Veneto, IT

Chapter 2

Vinho Verde 2023 – Azahar, PT

Chapter 3

Langhe Nebbiolo Antologia 2022 – Tuscany, IT

Chapter 4

Curated NYE Cocktail

Harbour Sixty

📍60 Harbour Street, Toronto, ON

IG. @harboursixty

Harbour Sixty, one of Toronto’s most enduring dining institutions, offers an exceptional New Year’s Eve experience with a curated prix fixe menu crafted by Executive Chef Solomon Mason. Known for his disciplined technique and ingredient-driven approach, Chef Mason has designed a celebratory menu that blends classic luxury with refined, contemporary flavour: Spotlighting premium seasonal ingredients and signature preparations that embody Harbour Sixty’s commitment to excellence.

The NYE prix fixe menu is priced at $189 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and is available on December 31 during evening service. Reservations may be made through Harbour Sixty’s OpenTable page under the Experiences tab, where the first seating appears as “NYE Prestige”, with times offered at 5:00 pm, 5:15 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:15 pm and 7:30 pm.

For guests wanting to usher in the year at the height of celebration, the final seating of the night is offered at 9:00 pm, 9:15 pm and 9:30 pm and priced at $289 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, listed as “NYE Deluxe Midnight”. This final seating includes all menu enhancements and places guests at the table for the midnight moment.

The restaurant will remain open until 3:00 am, allowing guests to continue celebrating in one of the city’s most luxurious dining spaces. Reservations for New Year’s Eve at Harbour Sixty can be made HERE.

With its historic setting, glamorous ambience and elevated service, Harbour Sixty provides a sophisticated backdrop for marking the final evening of the year. The New Year’s Eve menu reflects the restaurant’s dedication to premium sourcing and precise technique, offering a thoughtful progression of flavour and texture that honours classic steakhouse tradition while bringing a polished, contemporary sensibility to the festive occasion.

New Year’s Eve Menu:

First Course

Beef Tartare
Shallot, Chive, Gougere, Mimolette

Second Course

Chilled Seafood
Valley Pearl Oyster, Little Neck Clams, Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, Snow Crab, Kosho Mignonette, Smoked Buttermilk, Cocktail Sauce, Lemon
Optional: 25g Kaluga Caviar +$80

Third Course

Lobster Bisque
Caramelized Fennel, Brioche, Creme fraiche

Or

Koshikhari Rice Risotto
Porcini mushroom, Parmesano reggiano, Chive
Optional: Black Truffle +$45

Fourth Course

Poached Halibut
Caviar, Melted Leeks, Chantrelles, Veloute

Or

A5 Waygu Striploin +$65
Mitake Mushroom, Torpedo Shallot, Arrowleaf Spinach, Truffle Jus

Fifth Course

Mont Blanc
Caramel, Chestnut, Chantilly

Sixth Course

Petit Fours

This New Year’s Eve offering at Harbour Sixty embodies the restaurant’s culinary identity: pairing premium product with careful execution while presenting each dish with discipline and clarity. From seafood and beef preparations to the assured finale of Mont Blanc and petit fours, the menu provides a structured, expressive and celebratory dining format for guests welcoming the year ahead.

Reservations for Harbour Sixty can be made HERE.

Arianna

📍60 Harbour Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON

IG. @arianna.restaurant

Arianna, the modern Italian restaurant atop Harbour Sixty, will host its New Year’s Eve celebration beginning at 9:00 pm on December 31. This late-night ticketed event will be available for $125 per guest (not inclusive of tax or gratuity), and includes two drink tickets, light canapés and access to Arianna’s cash bar. Select bottle service options will also be offered for groups attending in a celebratory or professional capacity. The New Year’s Eve experience will go live this week on Arianna’s OpenTable page under “Experiences.” Reservations for Arianna can be made HERE.

With sweeping city views and a contemporary room design, Arianna offers one of Toronto’s most striking settings for marking the end of the year. The atmosphere blends Italian glamour with warmth and sociability, creating an environment suited to connection, conversation and celebration.

Under the culinary direction of Chef de Cuisine Scott MacKenzie, Arianna’s kitchen brings a spirited and expressive interpretation of Italian cuisine, with modern flavour and refined technique. Light canapés served through the evening will reflect the restaurant’s attention to quality and craft.

(Pictured left to right: Arianna booth. Harbour Sixty’s Wine Cellar. Photos courtesy of Arash Moallemi.)

Arianna offers an elegant and spirited setting for New Year’s Eve, combining expressive cuisine, exceptional wine offerings and cinematic views of the city at night. It is a room shaped for atmosphere, conversation and an unforgettable transition into the year ahead.

No Vacancy

📍74 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON

IG. @novacancyto

On Ossington, No Vacancy continues to stand out as one of the neighbourhood’s most inviting places to spend a night out, making it a natural choice for New Year’s Eve. With its warm lighting, timeless bar design and upbeat room energy, it offers an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrant, ideal for closing out the year with friends or familiar faces behind the bar.

Beverage Director and General Manager Troy Gilchrist oversees a cocktail program that balances creativity with approachability. Whether ordering one of the bar’s signature house drinks or a well–executed classic, guests can expect thoughtful flavours and a relaxed sense of hospitality. The crowd reflects the bar’s appeal: industry professionals, locals and visitors all sharing the same room without pretense.

New Year’s Eve at No Vacancy is not defined by grand announcements or rigid programming. Instead, it feels like an authentic night at a well–loved bar: spirited, social and easy to settle into. Midnight arrives as part of the natural flow of the evening, carried by conversation, music and the energy of the street just outside.

Reservations for No Vacancy can be made HERE.

Minami Toronto

📍225 King St W Suite 100

IG. @minamitoronto

Minami Toronto at 225 King Street West is inviting guests to welcome 2026 with a memorable New Year’s Eve experience perfect for sharing with family and friends. The evening will showcase a five-course tasting menu expertly crafted by the restaurant’s Head Chef Nao Akutagawa. Taking place on December 31 from 3:00 pm until late, the experience is priced at $150 (plus taxes & gratuities), with an optional four-course wine pairing by Minami’s seasoned Beverage Manager Angela Allan for $45 (plus taxes & gratuity). DJ Jooof will set a vibrant New Year’s Eve atmosphere from 7 PM until late, enhancing the experience as guests enjoy the tasting menu or a curated a la carte selection. Tickets to enjoy this experience are available HERE via OpenTable (please check OpenTable for more information).

Kaiseki Menu I $150 I Wine Pairing $45

Tamago Tofu & A5 Wagyu
House-made Tamago Tofu, Yuzu Ponzu Jelly, Onion Tuile
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Taster, Sweet Miso Sauce, Arare
Jansz, Premium Cuvee, AUS

Beetroot-cured Atlantic Salmon
Rice Koji Cream, Sweet Lemon,
Black Sesame Cracker, Satsuma Chips
Tenute Orestiadi Catarratto, ITA

Sushi Selection
Salmon Oshi Bite with Botan Ebi, Hamachi Oshi,
Aburi Tachiuo Nigiri, Maguro Zuke Nigiri, Minami Roll,
Hokkaido Scallop Oshi, Aburi Kombujime Madai Nigiri,
7 piece sushi selection

Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold, FRA

Surf & Turf
Wagyu X Steak (3oz), Kombu-poached Lobster Tail,
Black Truffle, Black Garlic Miso, Yuzu Brown Butter
Hidden Bench Bistro Pinot Noir, CAN

Banana Cake
Jasmine Tea Ice Cream, Hazelnut Almond Crumble,
Saikyo Miso Salted Caramel Sauce, Miso Tuile

Miku Toronto

📍WaterPark Place at #105 – 10 Bay St.

IG. @mikutoronto

Miku Toronto at 10 Bay Street is setting the stage for a refined start to 2026 with a New Year’s Eve celebration that brings together elevated cuisine and live jazz. For one night only, Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero presents a five course osechi inspired kaiseki designed to honour the tradition of welcoming the New Year with exceptional flavour. On December 31, the evening is $200 (plus taxes & gratuity), with curated pairings by Beverage Manager Angela Allan, including the wine and sake pairing for $55 and the premium wine pairing for $65 (plus taxes and gratuity). Beginning at 7:00pm, the talented Chris Platt Trio will create a warm and elegant atmosphere as guests enjoy the kaiseki menu through Miku’s structured seating. Tickets are available HERE via OpenTable (please check OpenTable for more information).

Kaiseki Menu I $200

Wine and Sake Pairing $55 I Premium Wine Pairing $65

OSECHI
Aburi Sashimi, Grilled Hotate, Madai Tataki
Kombu Maki, Crab Sunomono, Glazed Prawn, Ikura, Tsukemono
Kabayaki Glazed Octopus, Chikuzenni
Champagne Tarlant Brut Reserve or Tenuta Santomè Prosecco Brut

OSUIMONO
Tai, Shiitake Mushroom, Temari Fu, Yuzu, Spinach, Mitsuba
Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles or Vinatigo Listán Blanco

SUSHI
A5 Japanese Wagyu Nigiri Truffle, Moshio
Salmon Oshi Bite Aka Ebi, Yuzukosho
Konbujime Hirame Shiso Leaf, Hajikami
Sawara Negi Miso with Shiraga Negi
Ikura Uni Mini Don with Dashi Foam
Hugel ‘Les Amours’ Pinot Blanc or Masumi Suzumi Junmai Ginjo

SURF & TURF
A5 Japanese Wagyu & Lobster Caviar Gratin
Nori Potato Puree, Chestnut Mushroom, Sansho Gyu Demi
Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva or La Soeur Cadette Julienas

DESSERT
Matcha Moelleux
Chestnut Cream, Cacaonib Tuile,
Fig Raspberry Sauce, Hojicha Ice Cream

Stratus Riesling Ice Wine or Mio Sparkling Sake

Radici Project

📍588 College St.

IG. @radici_project

Radici Project at 588 College Street is inviting guests to begin their New Year’s Eve at 5:00pm with Taste of New Year, a pre celebration dinner featuring an elevated tasting menu curated by Executive Chef and Co owner Emiliano Del Frate. The menu blends classic Italian and Japanese dishes with favourites from the restaurant’s Winter menu. The dinner is 180 dollars plus taxes and gratuity, with optional pairings available, including the seasonal wine and sake pairing for 70 dollars plus taxes and gratuity or the non alcoholic pairing featuring house made juices and crafted zero proof cocktails for 40 dollars plus taxes and gratuity. Guests can reserve a spot on OpenTable HERE and can visit OpenTable for more information on allergies, seating times, and reservation details.

Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Manager and Sommelier Kayo Ito, the husband and wife duo behind Radici Project, will bring their signature warmth and hospitality to the evening, offering guests the inviting, family-like atmosphere the restaurant is known for. With comforting dishes, thoughtful pairings, and genuine connection woven throughout the experience, Taste of New Year offers a meaningful and memorable way to begin the night before heading into midnight celebrations.
Suite 115

📍532 College St, Toronto, ON

IG: @suite115.to

This New Year’s Eve, Suite 115 invites guests to an intimate celebration. The evening will begin with a welcome shot, followed by two handcrafted cocktails, one curated food offering, and a sparkling toast at midnight. The tickets for this soulful eve will be available from December 28 on their website for $169 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. The team has created a setting meant to feel personal and unrushed, welcoming guests into a space that encourages lingering conversation and connection. The space offers a covert gathering for both seasoned drinkers and new cocktail enthusiasts as the night leans into Suite 115’s charm.

Suite 115 offers a modern interpretation of the speakeasy experience: intimate, intentional, and a little magical.

#FOOD: CHEF EVA CHIN AND YAN DINING ROOM CAP-OFF YEAR OF NATIONAL HONOURS

Yan Dining Room, led by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Eva Chin, closes out 2025 as one of Canada’s most celebrated and influential new culinary destinations. In its first full year of operation, the restaurant has earned top national honours, shaped a new dialogue around modern Chinese cuisine, and established itself as a hub for meaningful culinary collaboration.

This year marked Chef Eva Chin’s emergence as one of the architects of a new culinary movement in Canada. As the co-creator of Yan Dining Room with restaurateur Colin Li, Eva spearheaded the development of Toronto’s leading neo-Chinese tasting menu – a concept that blends Chinese history with modern technique and Eva’s global, coastal sensibilities. Her cuisine draws from her Chinese, Singaporean, Samoan and Hawaiian heritage and reflects her belief that food can be a form of lineage, reclamation, and cultural storytelling.

“Yan is our way of imagining the future of Chinese cuisine,” says Chef Eva Chin. “We’re honouring centuries of technique and memory, but we’re not afraid to push forward, to blend history with innovation, to challenge assumptions, and to evolve what Chinese dining can mean in Canada.”

A Year Defined by Accolades

Chef Eva Chin and Yan Dining Room have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, industry leaders, and diners alike. This year’s recognitions include:

• #2 — Toronto Life Best New Restaurants 2025
• #31 — Toronto Life Most Influential People 2025
• #43 — Post City Chef-Approved 50 Best Restaurants
• #7 — Air Canada Best New Restaurants 2025
• Air Canada Best New Concept
• Foodism Rising Star Icon of the Year

These accolades underscore Eva’s rising influence as both a culinary innovator and one of the most compelling voices shaping Canada’s modern dining landscape.

A Standout Year of Creative Collaborations

2025 also marked an exceptional year of creative partnerships for Chef Eva Chin, each celebrating regional flavours and the diverse culinary talent across Canada. Highlights include:

–Lunar New Year collaboration with Chef Nuit Regular, one of Toronto’s most influential chef-restaurateurs whose restaurants PAI and Kiin are recognized by the MICHELIN Guide. The dinner celebrated the intersection of Northern Thai flavours and Yan’s evolving neo-Chinese culinary philosophy.

–Daango collaboration with Chef Christopher Siu, MasterChef Canada winner and acclaimed pastry artist. Together, they created a menu that blended Siu’s refined baking skills with Eva’s coastal storytelling and modern Chinese sensibilities.

–Good Behaviour collaboration with Chef Michael Lam and Eric Chow, a playful comfort-meets-technique mashup that reimagined nostalgic flavours through Yan’s precision-led culinary lens.

–No. 8 collaboration with Chef Stephen Baidacoff and Chef Nick Lin, whose restaurant No. 8 was named a 2025 Air Canada Best New Restaurants finalist. The partnership explored the future of Asian-Canadian gastronomy through a highly technical, chef-driven multi-course experience.

–Short-Grain Rice collaboration at Dachi in Vancouver, a one-night dinner with Chef Katy Cheung of Michelin-starred Burdock & Co. (and a Top Chef Canada 2025 competitor) and Chef Jiwon Seo of Dachi. The menu explored Chinese and Korean flavours through the lens of Southern barbecue, marking the Vancouver debut of Eva’s neo-Chinese approach.

Each partnership further established Yan Dining Room as a space for cross-cultural dialogue and innovation.

With industry accolades, nationwide recognition, and a collaborative footprint that spans some of Canada’s most influential chefs, Yan Dining Room enters 2026 with extraordinary momentum. The restaurant remains committed to evolving its menu, deepening its storytelling, and continuing to champion meaningful culinary expression.

#FIRSTLOOK: NETFLIX IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD ADDS NEW LOCATION SHARES – DECEMBER 2025

We are thrilled to share the addition of six Canadian-filmed Netflix movies and shows to the Netflix in Your Neighbourhood / Netflix chez vous websites. The update, which went live today, features the newly released western drama The Abandons, the hit Canadian limited series Wayward, holiday movies My Secret Santa and A Merry Little Ex-Mas, the new rom-com The Wrong Paris, and Guillermo del Toro’s critically acclaimed film adaptation Frankenstein. All of these productions were filmed across Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, with several towns making their debut on the Netflix in Your Neighbourhood site, including Guelph and North Bay, Ontario; Kamloops, British Columbia; and Seebe, Alberta.

Just in time for the holidays, a recent Netflix poll revealed nearly half of Canadians with Netflix (45%) admitting they want to spend the holiday time during December indulging in their favourite shows, films and festive treats. But that’s not all: half of Canadians (50%) confess to sneaking away from family gatherings to catch up on Netflix during the holidays. So fans can be sure they won’t be alone if they spend the holidays cozying up with new holiday hits My Secret Santa, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, or any of the other films and shows filmed across Canada.

Since its launch in 2021, Netflix in Your Neighbourhood and Netflix chez vous have been helping fans step inside the world of their favourite Netflix stories by discovering their Canadian filming locations. The guide highlights travel spots and hidden local gems, delicious eats, inviting accommodations, iconic landmarks and more; all connected to popular Netflix movies and shows. Netflix in Your Neighbourhood provides visitors with everything they need to plan the ultimate fan trip in Canada

More about the newly added productions:

THE ABANDONS – Washington Territory – 1854 – The matriarchs of two very different families — one of wealth and privilege bound by blood, the other a found family of orphans and outcasts bound by love and necessity — find their fates linked by two crimes, an awful secret, a star-crossed love, and a piece of land with silver underneath. The collision echoes the American struggle of the haves and have-nots, in a place just beyond the reach of justice. This dramatic western series was shot in Seebe and Mînî Thnî, Alberta, both newly added filming locations on the website.

WAYWARD – Nothing is what it seems in Tall Pines. After an escape attempt from an academy for “troubled teens”, two students join forces with a newly local police officer, unearthing the town’s dark and deeply rooted secrets. This captivating thriller was shot in Dundas, Millbrook, Milton, Guelph, Ashburn and Mississauga, Ontario.

MY SECRET SANTA – A vivacious single mom in need of a job decides to disguise herself as a man in order to get hired as the seasonal Santa at a luxury ski resort. But when she starts to fall in love with the hotel manager, complications develop that could ruin everything. My Secret Santa was shot in Sun Peaks and Kamloops, British Columbia.

A MERRY LITTLE EX-MAS – A recently divorced woman attempts to have one last Christmas with her family before selling the house and moving, but complications arise when her ex-husband brings his amazing new girlfriend into the holiday mix. This holiday rom-com was filmed in Hillsburgh, Glen Williams and Unionville, Ontario.

THE WRONG PARIS – A young woman joins a dating show thinking it’s in Paris, France, but it’s actually in Paris, Texas. She plots a way to get eliminated until her unexpected feelings for the bachelor complicate her plans. The Wrong Paris was filmed in Agassiz and North Vancouver, British Columbia.

FRANKENSTEIN – Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. This highly awaited film was shot in North Bay and Toronto, Ontario.

Q&Eh with the cast of My Life With the Walter Boys, Season 2

The popular series My Life With the Walter Boys returns for Season 2, and much of its charm still comes from the breathtaking Alberta landscapes where the show was filmed. The cast recently shared their favourite memories from their time filming in Calgary and surrounding areas, from breathtaking backdrops, to their go-to local restaurants, the attractions they loved and more. Check out here what they had to say on Netflix in Your Neighbourhood!

Get the Latest Netflix in Your Neighbourhood News:

Netflix Canada’s newsletter and events pages ensure fans stay informed about Netflix happenings in their city and across the country, so they never miss a moment of the action. Sign up / Inscrivez-vous to receive the latest Netflix in Your Neighbourhood news!

#FIRSTLOOK: “DIE MY LOVE” COMING TO MUBI CANADA DECEMBER 23, 2025

MUBI, the global film distributor, streaming service and production company, is proud to announce the sensational new film from writer/director Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here, Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin) will be available to stream exclusively on MUBI from December 23, 2025.

A hopeful young and loving couple (Grace and Jackson) move from New York to an inherited house in the country. Grace tries to find her identity with a new baby in the isolated environment. Yet as she begins to unravel, it’s not in weakness but imagination, strength and a stunning untamed vivacity that she discovers herself anew.

Set in rural America, Die My Love is a portrait of a woman engulfed by love and madness. It stars Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle), Robert Pattinson (Mickey 17, The Batman), LaKeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah, The Book of Clarence), Nick Nolte (Cape Fear, 48 Hours, The Prince of Tides), and Sissy Spacek (Carrie, Coal Miner’s Daughter, In the Bedroom).

The film received its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Jennifer Lawrence has since been awarded the Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, and been nominated for a Gotham Award for Outstanding Lead Performance. Die My Love was also nominated for seven British Independent Film Awards including Best Director for Lynne Ramsay and Best Lead Performance for Jennifer Lawrence, and went on to win two for Best Cinematography and Best Music Supervision.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

At the heart of this story is the complexity of love and how it can change and transform over time. I aimed to keep it grounded, human, spontaneous and funny at times, capturing the moments that feel small but carry a lot of weight. This film is for anyone who’s ever been in a relationship – there’s heartbreak and beauty in vulnerability.

DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY

Lynne Ramsay’s previous work consists of Ratcatcher (1999), Cannes 1999 Un Certain Regard, BAFTA winner Most Promising Newcomer; Morvern Callar (2002), starring Samantha Morton, Cannes 2002 multiple award winner, BIFA nominee for Best Director and Best Screenplay; We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011) starring Tilda Swinton, nominated for Cannes 2011 Palme d’Or, BIFA winner for Best Director, BAFTA nominated for Best Director; Swimmer (2012), BAFTA winner for Best Short Film; You Were Never Really Here (2017) starring Joaquin Phoenix, Cannes 2017 winner for Best Screenplay and Best Actor, BAFTA nominated for Best British Film; Brigitte (2019), part of Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales Series, Venice Film Festival 2019.

#FIRSTLOOK: “GIRL TAKEN” COMING TO PARAMOUNT+ JANUARY 8, 2026

Paramount+ today reveals a first look for the upcoming original series GIRL TAKEN – previously announced as BABY DOLL – starring Alfie Allen, Jill Halfpenny, Tallulah Evans, and Delphi Evans. The six-part psychological thriller will premiere globally and exclusively on Paramount+ on January 8th 2026.

Based on the novel Baby Doll by Hollie Overton, GIRL TAKEN follows the story of twin sisters Lily and Abby, whose lives are shattered when Lily is abducted from their quiet rural English town by beloved local teacher Rick Hansen. After years of abuse in captivity, Lily escapes – only to discover that freedom brings its own challenges. The world she longed to return to has moved on without her.

As Abby, Lily and their mother Eve struggle to rebuild their family, they must confront the lasting damage and the terrifying reality that Rick is still out there, determined to control the narrative and evade justice. Raw and emotionally charged, GIRL TAKEN is a gripping exploration of trauma, resilience, sisterhood, and the high cost of reclaiming one’s life.

The series will star Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones, Atomic) and Jill Halfpenny (The Cuckoo, After the Flood) as Rick and Eve, while sisters Tallulah (The Forsyte Saga, My Fault: London) and Delphi Evans will take on the roles of Lily and Abby.

Supporting the leading cast will be Vikash Bhai (Limbo, Virdee), Niamh Walsh (Smother, Jamestown), Levi Brown (This Town, Invasion), Victoria Ekanoye (The Turkish Detective, The Royals, Coronation Street), Holly Atkins (Mobland, Criminal Justice) and Kiran Krishnakumar (What it Feels Like For a Girl, Everything Now).

Mike Benson and Suzi McIntosh serve as executive producers for Clapperboard, with Mick Pantaleo producing. The series has been adapted for screen by David Turpin (The Ex-Wife, The Cuckoo), Suzanne Cowie (The Serial Killer’s Wife, Good Ship Murder), and Nessah Muthy (The Ex-Wife, Grantchester). Laura Way (The Serial Killer’s Wife, Maxine) and Bindu de Stoppani (Silent Witness, Beyond Paradise) are the directors.

GIRL TAKEN was commissioned for Paramount+, the series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FAMILY PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS”

Paramount Pictures x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win family passes for four to an Advance Screening of THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS.

TORONTO

Saturday, December 13th | 10:30AM

Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Eglinton & VIP

________

MONTREAL

Saturday, December 13th | 10:30AM | ENG

Cinéma Cineplex Forum & VIP

MONTREAL

Saturday, December 13th | 10:30AM | FRE

Cineplex Cinema Starcité

________

VANCOUVER

Saturday, December 13th | 10:30AM

Cineplex Cinema Metropolis (Burnaby)

________

CALGARY

Saturday, December 13th | 10:30AM

Cineplex Cinemas Westhills

Synopsis: SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can’t miss cinematic event ever…The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your City in the comments. Tag a friend who’d also be interested! Multiple entries allowed.

Rules and regulations here.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR THE SQUAREPANTS IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON DECEMBER 19, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOUS – “STORIES THAT MADE US” SERIES

After a summer spent travelling from coast to coast to coast, MADE | NOUS is thrilled to announce that audiences can now experience the inspiring cross-country journey led by broadcasting icon George Stroumboulopoulos in a newly completed docuseries, The Stories that MADE Us, available nationwide starting December 4, 2025. Part one of the three-part series will be available on YouTube and made-nous.ca, with remaining episodes dropping in winter 2026.

Earlier this summer, George set out from Vancouver on a cross-Canada tour with a film crew and one central question for everyone he met: Which Canadian film or television work made you?. The trip included a candid conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney about the strength of Canada’s cultural sovereignty, the Canadian films and TV shows that shaped his life, and why Canadian stories matter now more than ever.

Over the course of the journey, George visited communities across the country, from major cities to remote northern regions, capturing heartfelt conversations with everyday Canadians and national icons alike. These interviews explore the stories, creators and cultural touchstones that have shaped Canadian identity, strengthened communities, and inspired generations of creative talent.

Campaign Highlights

100+ vox pops recorded on the road

14 cities across seven provinces and one territory (BC, AB, MB, ON, QC, NB, PE, NU)

27 in-depth conversations with Canadians across the country, including:
Prime Minister Mark Carney

Ryan Reynolds (actor, producer)

Chris Hadfield (astronaut)

Jessie Reyez (singer-songwriter)

Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek)

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience)

Jay Baruchel (Goon)

Tantoo Cardinal (North of 60)

Tonya Williams (The Young and the Restless; founder/executive director, Reelworld Screen Institute)

Atom Egoyan (filmmaker; The Sweet Hereafter)

Rob Baker (musician; The Tragically Hip)

Sam Reinhart (NHL player; Florida Panthers, Stanley Cup winner)

French-language interviews include:
Pierre-Yves Lord (TV host)

Les Hay Babies (Acadian folk trio)

Kim Thúy (author; Ru, Em)

Chloé Robichaud (director; Deux femmes en or)

Since 2019, the MADE | NOUS initiative has put the spotlight on Canada’s world-class talent in film, TV, gaming, and digital entertainment, aiming to shift perceptions of Canadian content at home and abroad. Last year, MADE | NOUS successfully launched its “Hometown Hero” mural campaign showcasing Canadian creative talent and inspiring communities across the country. To date, ambassadors supporting the initiative have included Paul Sun Hyung-Lee, Simu Liu, Stephan James, Shamier Anderson, Devery Jacobs, Amanda Brugel, Karine Vanasse, David Usher, Jay Baruchel, Hamza Haq, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Priyanka, Kaniehti:io Horn, Cassandra James, Drew Ray Tanner, and more.

#FIRSTLOOK: “ROOFMAN” COMING TO PARAMOUNT+ DECEMBER 9, 2025

Today, Paramount+ announced that ROOFMAN, based on the unbelievable true story of Jeffrey Manchester, will stream on the service in Canada and the U.S. beginning December 9.*

Based on an incredible true story, ROOFMAN follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), an Army veteran and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname: Roofman. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.

Certified Fresh™ on Rotten Tomatoes® with an impressive 86%, ROOFMAN received widespread critical acclaim upon its world premiere at TIFF in September along with a TIFF Tribute Award for Tatum, as well as upon its October theatrical release in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. by Paramount Pictures under its first-look deal with Miramax. Variety praised Tatum for delivering “the most mature performance of his career” while Next Best Picture said Dunst, who just received a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for her performance, is “stellar” and “effortlessly charming as Leigh.” Newsweek hailed ROOFMAN as the “perfect balance between suspense, heart and pure entertainment,” calling it, “one of the most sincere and thoughtful movies to hit the big screen in 2025.”

Since its debut on PVOD on November 11, this unforgettable true story continues to be embraced by audiences everywhere with sustained engagement, strong placement across digital platforms and exceptional staying power, holding a top 10 position on Apple’s movie charts for three consecutive weeks.

ROOFMAN stars Channing Tatum as the film’s titular character, as well as a stellar cast including Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang and Peter Dinklage.

This film joins the expansive list of critically acclaimed movies on Paramount+, including newer films like GLADIATOR II, SEPTEMBER 5 and TOP GUN: MAVERICK, as well as cinephile staples like TITANIC, and THE GODFATHER.

Paramount Pictures Presents, in association with Miramax, FilmNation Entertainment, Von Waaden Entertainment, a High Frequency, Hunting Lane, 51 Entertainment and Limelight Production, a film by Derek Cianfrance: ROOFMAN. The film is executive produced by Channing Tatum, Derek Cianfrance, Jonathan Montepare, Charles M. Barsamian, Rick Covert, Jack Selby, Sam Romano, Jonathan Glickman, Thom Zadra, Matthew Von Waaden, D. Mark Von Waaden, Chris Parker, Tyler Zacharia, Jeff Portnoy, Steven J. Toll and Randy Jones Toll. ROOFMAN is produced by Jamie Patricof, p.g.a., Lynette Howell Taylor, p.g.a., Alex Orlovsky, p.g.a., Duncan Montgomery and Dylan Sellers with a screenplay by Derek Cianfrance & Kirt Gunn. The film was directed by Derek Cianfrance.

*Availability in additional international Paramount+ markets will be announced at a later date.

#FIRSTLOOK: NFL CHRISTMAS GAMEDAY 2025 ON NETFLIX

NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix in 2025 with two marquee games that will showcase NFC division rivals facing-off. Streaming live on Netflix, the Cowboys/Commanders will air at 1 pm ET from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, followed by the Lions/Vikings at 4:30 pm ET from the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

With returning on-air talent such as the father-son duo of Ian and Noah Eagle, Kay Adams, Manti Te’o, Nate Burleson, and many more, plus new additions like Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin and WWE Superstar Seth Rollins, this year’s Christmas slate aims to ring in the holidays with even more cheer for football fans everywhere.

Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday 2024 reached 65 million U.S. viewers, according to Nielsen. Netflix delivered the two most streamed NFL games in U.S. history with an average audience of over 26.5 million viewers in the U.S. and over 30 million viewers globally, highlighted by Beyoncé’s epic halftime performance.

CBS Sports will produce the games, with NFL Media producing the pre, post, and studio halftime programming.